In the cold grey Welby weather, a bright future for Highlands hockey was beginning.
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A new $1.2M playing field at the Southern Highlands Hockey Centre has been made possible via a combination of grant funding from the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund, Club Grants Infrastructure Grants Program, the Australian Sports Commission Community Sport Infrastructure Grant and cash reserves from the Southern Highlands Hockey Association.
The Wingecarribee Shire Council mayor Duncan Gair and Wollondilly MP Nathaniel Smith were in attendance along with funding body representatives and life members.
Southern Highlands Hockey president Paul Sabatier thanked everyone who supported the project.
"We are excited to see this project get underway," Mr Sabatier said.
"Thank you to our 800 members. It has been over 10 years since our members began planning and fundraising for a second synthetic playing surface to be added to the centre. Thank you for everyone's support."
Councillor Gair reflected on his time at the courts.
"I've spent many a time at these courts," Cr Gair said.
"Leaning against these gates, I've watched my children and my grandchildren play hockey here. It's been a great achievement by the association to get this project going and you should be congratulated.
"We lent $700,000 for the original court that was completed in 2005. There is always a risk to the community that money will not be repaid on time. It was paid off five years earlier than expected.
"That has given the association credibility. To the association, well done."
Mr Smith was ecstatic to see sports continually grow in the Highlands.
"For someone who was once an active cricket and rugby player, sport is so important for our community," Mr Smith said.
"It's something I'm quite passionate about. Sport develops character in our kids. We're so lucky in the Highlands to have great sporting clubs.
"I'm fighting daily to get more sport funding for the Wollondilly area. It's something I will continually fight for.
"This will help our kids get off the technology. Times have changed, but it's still so important to get our kids out there socialising and being active."
Once this project is completed, the Southern Highlands will be able to host regional competitions. These can bring up to 1500 spectators whose stay in the region results in a combined financial benefit to the local economy valued at more than $1 million.
An interest-free loan has also been provided by Wingecarribee Shire Council to the project.
